Port San Luis (Avila Beach) RV camping

If not being on the ocean or at least very close is not a requirement check out Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande. County park tucked up into the canyon and they have many fhc sites. Have been there during the summer but not winter yet. Jan - Mar is breeding time for the bald eagles that nest in the park during winter.

JT wrote:
Dan, the rates have apparently gone up even more since you camped there; FHUs are now $65 per night:

"Coastal Gateway (full hook-ups) $65/night
Babe Lane (full hook-ups) $65/night Special Babe Lane Winter Monthly & Weekly Rates
Nobi Point and Woodyard (dry camping) $50/night
Overflow (dry camping) $40/night"

:R

Wow! I guess they're trying to see what the market will bear. I'm done going there.

We've never camped there but have visited that area several times. There is no way that I'd ever pay that much money to stay there - to me it's not that great. No BBQ's allowed either.

Dan, the rates have apparently gone up even more since you camped there; FHUs are now $65 per night:

"Coastal Gateway (full hook-ups) $65/night
Babe Lane (full hook-ups) $65/night Special Babe Lane Winter Monthly & Weekly Rates
Nobi Point and Woodyard (dry camping) $50/night
Overflow (dry camping) $40/night"

:R

We stayed there last October after a 4 year hiatus and were surprised they are now charging $50/night for the FHU's. Pretty expensive for 30 amp and a dirt lot. However, the view from the hillside spots is fantastic. There is a lot of traffic on the road, but it's not as noticeable from those spots. We come in on a Monday or Tuesday have never had a problem finding a vacancy. It's usually full on the weekends.
Also, when it rains it can get muddy. I have only camped at the "hillside" spots. I've never tried to camp at the lower FHU's, the overflow or the no hookups along the road.

Never took our RV there but love stopping at Fat Cats Cafe for breakfast.

We have and didn't like it. Expensive, crowded, and within 5 miles of a nuclear power plant. There are a lot of options in the area if you are wanting to stay near the beach. We like the Pismo area See the parks

Avila was the choice for a short stay because it's close to family and the other options in the area, including Pismo, aren't workable for me this time.

The "plant" is the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant:

http://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactor/diab1.html

Thanks for the replies; I appreciate the information!

We've stayed there several times. I've Never been lucky enough to get one of the full hookup spots and ended up in one of the two parking spots along Avila Beach Drive. It's a great place, pier is nice as is the beach. Only complaint was where we were camped there is an exit for the power plant (it's a plant of some sort) and when the shift lets out in the middle of the night it gets pretty loud from the passing vehicles.

I camped there several times 10 to 15 years ago. Loved the view, especially the time I got the spot on the end of the jetty (no longer a campsite), there was a lot of traffic: wharf visitors, boat owners, tourists, and also staff traffic to Diablo Canyon. Now that the town of Avila Beach has been renovated, there is more traffic than ever. The last few times I went there, I decided not to stay. Still, it is a beautiful and interesting spot. Lots of animal activity, even whales right in by shore sometimes. Restaurant and fish market on the wharf. Kayaking and standup paddleboards. If you go and if you get a site, maybe stay one night at a time in case you dislike the place.

There is currently a plan for the port district to build a 30-site campground on the hill. I do not know what that will do to the existing camping areas.

Jalama Beach, mentioned above, can also get crazy. Read the online reviews.